Microsoft Zune MP3 Player
What do you really want in an MP3 player? Do you want something fresh, exciting yet functional? Microsoft has finally come up with its own line of players. The Zune MP3 player exceeds all expectations. Zune provides online music, video, and podcast downloads. To quote Microsoft, “welcome to the social”, means it is by far for everyone - music savvy and first timers alike.
The first Zune music player released in November 2007 has a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation of the Zune consists of the Zune 4GB, Zune 8GB, 16GB, Zune 80GB and 120GB. Microsoft released an upgrade for all Zune models, including the Zune 30, to the second generation software/firmware.
Hardware improvements to the new Zunes include doubled storage capacity for the new Zune 16GB and a 50% increase for the Zune 120GB when compared with last generation. Thickness and overall size of the players has not changed. This makes life easier for return customers with existing accessories. The combination of large screen, storage capacity, FM, Wifi, and touch sensitive Zune pad interface is unrivaled. The devices come in two styles, all of which play music, videos, podcasts, display images, and receive (but not record) FM radio.
The newly released Microsoft Zune software has been dubbed on all sides by the media and tech bloggers as better than iTunes. The Mix view option is the new music recommendation tool. Select an album in Zune software and the mix view will show recommendations and top listeners. One of the more prominent new features on the Microsoft Zune is a Marketplace selection in the main menu .It allows you to browse, preview, and download music directly from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace online store.Your Zune needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi hot spot in order to take advantage of the Marketplace featureIn this aspect, Microsoft has improved the Zune's ability to step through public Wi-Fi hot spots. It even struck a deal with fast-food giant McDonald's to have the Zune supported by the Wayport Wi-Fi hot spots found in many McDonald's restaurants.
There is that common misconception that iTunes is the 3rd largest distributor of music overall and the largest online distributor. Unfortunately, the truth is, that illegal download sites distribute more music than iTunes, Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy put together. The technology proposed by Microsoft would essentially allow them to capitalize on this by "encrypting" songs transferred offline (in other words Zune to Zune). The person receiving the file could use it three times, then be forced to pay for the song. Once the song is paid for sales commission go to the sender and Zune Marketplace while the bulk of the money would go to the copyright holder. The system would essentially convert illegal music into legal music. It would also give a strong retail presence to Zune by creating 1 million traveling salesmen of all ages.
Microsoft Zune Additional Accessories
- Charging devices (car adapter, AC wall-socket adapters, external battery).
- I/O adapters (A/V composite, FM transmitters, headphones, USB data cable).
- Docks (charging, multimedia large speaker, vertical hands-free assist).
- Protection (glass screen protection, hardened/cushioning material case protection).
- Carrying cases (standard issue, armband type, and belt clip).
- Replacement parts and upgrades (battery, hard drive, LCD, etc.).